Urbana City Council passes budget without increased police funding [Video]

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — After weeks of deliberation and hours of public comment, the Urbana City Council approved a new budget at its meeting on Monday. One of the things the new budget didn’t include is an increase in police funding.

The proposed increase in funding for the Urbana Police Department has been a point of contention for weeks amongst the community. Chief Larry Boone wanted it in order to implement his plan for cutting down on crime — including new technology, increased staffing and improved community relations.

Others wanted the funding to instead go toward having a more direct impact in the community such as social services and reducing poverty.

“Community programs have been proven, scientifically, to resolve poverty and eliminate crime,” one community member said during the public comment section.

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Overall, public comment remained split at Monday’s meeting. Some people echoed support of the proposal.

“I am willing to work with …